The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against romancing with political parties. She spoke at the opening of the 2026 legal year of the Supreme Court in Abuja on Monday. She said judges must remain impartial in resolving disputes arising from the 2027 general elections.
Nigerian courts have faced criticism over election litigation. In 2019 and 2023, conflicting orders emerged from different courts. Forum shopping was common. Parties filed multiple suits seeking favourable judges. The judiciary’s credibility suffered. The CJN has spoken on this before. In 2024, she warned against judicial misconduct. In 2025, she called for discipline. The 2027 election will test those warnings.
Kekere-Ekun said elections generate heightened political activity and strong emotions. They bring disputes with significant consequences. “The judiciary must approach such matters with the same calmness, detachment and fidelity to the law that it brings to every other dispute,” she said. She urged judges to avoid political association or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality.
She criticised forum shopping. “Forum shopping, whether by the deliberate choice of commencing an action in a court or division perceived to be more favourable, or by the institution of multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs, can result in conflicting orders,” she said. She urged lawyers to exercise professional judgment before commencing proceedings.
She also addressed the appointment of judicial officers. She said the process must command public confidence. She warned against trial by publicity and social media attacks on judges. “A judge should be able to decide according to law without fear of personal retaliation,” she said.
The Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters in the 2025/2026 legal year. It delivered 411 judgments. The CJN said the performance was encouraging but more work remained.
Winners: The judiciary, which asserts integrity. Litigants, if impartiality improves. The CJN, who shows leadership. Democracy, if trust grows. Losers: Forum shoppers, who face scrutiny. Judges who engage in misconduct. Lawyers who file multiple suits. Political parties, if they lose tactical advantage. The judiciary, if the warnings are ignored.
Bottom Line: The CJN warned judges. Avoid politics. Avoid forum shopping. The 2027 election will test them. The judiciary’s credibility depends on it. Warnings are easy. Enforcement is hard.